Quick & Easy One Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe
This One Pot Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dinner made in just 20 minutes! Featuring tender chicken, Cajun seasoning, and creamy, spicy flavors, it’s a simple comfort food recipe perfect for busy nights.
I just love a good one-pot meal—quick prep, easy cleanup, and super yummy flavor! This One Pot Chicken Pasta is a deliciously creamy, slightly spicy dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s made with simple ingredients that cook together in one skillet, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
This recipe uses a few key ingredients: seasoned chicken, sautéed veggies, & pasta all simmered together in a flavorful broth, with just a touch of creaminess at the end. My husband and I love spicy food, so I kicked it up a notch with Southwest seasoning and a dash of cayenne pepper. It was fiery and fabulous—just the way we like it!
This recipe would serve 4 people, but for the two of us, we enjoyed it for dinner and had the leftovers for lunch the next day, too. It was just as delicious the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor!
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the heat to your preference.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Serves 4—great for dinner plus next-day lunch.
Ingredients for One Pot Chicken Pasta
For exact measurements and instructions, check out the full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Tender and juicy when seasoned and browned.
- Cajun Seasoning – Adds a flavorful, spicy kick to the dish.
- Onion & Red Bell Pepper – Sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- Dried Penne Pasta – Holds up well to creamy sauces.
- Chicken Broth – Infuses the pasta with rich, savory flavor while cooking the pasta.
- Rotel Tomatoes – A can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a zesty bite.
- 2% Milk or Cream – Adds a creamy finish to the dish.
- Parmesan or Mozzarella Cheese (Optional) – Sprinkle on top for extra indulgence.
How to Portion, Cook, and Freeze This Recipe to Fit Your Lifestyle
- Making for Two? Cut the recipe in half, or enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day!
- Freezing Ahead? I don’t recommend freezing the entire dish, but you can prep ahead by dicing the chicken before freezing. That way, you can simply thaw and cook.
- Meal Prep Tip: Chop the onion and bell pepper in advance to make dinnertime even faster.
Favorite Kitchenware!
My favorite skillet for this and many recipes is a very, very old cast iron skillet. You can find some of my other kitchen favorites & must haves in my Amazon shop here on Amazon USA or Amazon Canada. (They are affilate links.)
Simple Instructions for Making Skillet Chicken Pasta
(For all the detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)
1. Brown chicken & saute veggies. 2.Add the dry pasta & liquid ingredients (except milk), and simmer with a lid on for 10 minutes. 3.Add milk and heat through. Sprinkle with cheese before serving.
Cooking Tips: Making This Recipe in a Cast Iron Pan
I just love cooking in our trusty cast iron pan. I found it a learning curve at first, but now I use it nearly every day! Here are a few tips for cooking this recipe in a cast iron pan.
- Preheat Properly: Add a drizzle of olive oil and let the pan heat up before adding chicken. The meat should sizzle when it touches the surface.
- Don’t Rush the Sear: Once the chicken is placed in a single layer in the pan, avoid moving it until you see the edges turn white. This ensures a good sear and prevents sticking.
- Use Veggies to Deglaze: When the pan looks dry after browning the chicken, add the onions and peppers. Their moisture will lift flavorful bits off the bottom. Use a flipper to scrape off the flavorful bits as it cooks.
- Keep Moisture Levels in Check: Once the broth and Rotel are added, use a flipper to scrape up anything that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan (it’s the yummy bits!), then simmer on low with the lid on, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Substitutions and Variations of this Recipe
- Add in sliced smoked sausages when you add the veggies for another layer of delicious flavor.
- Experiment with different veggies – like sliced mushrooms – for other variations.
- For a spicier option, use 1 Tablespoon Southwest seasoning and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper instead of cajun seasoning for a slightly different flavor – and it will be spicy!
What to Serve with Cajun Chicken Pasta
This dish is delicious on its own but pairs well with:
- A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread for an extra comforting meal.
- Roasted vegetables to balance the spice.
Grandma Rita’s Kitchen Tips
Cooking with a cast iron pan is a bit of a learning curve, but once you learn, you’ll love it. I love how cast iron browns meat so nicely, and the flavors are amazing. I wash my cast iron pan with soapy water after each use, dry well, and then rub in oil with a paper towel before I store it to prevent rust.
Other One Pan Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- Skillet sausage and noodles is one of those mennonite sausage recipes for dinner you’ll love.
- Homemade hamburger helper with corn is a family favorite recipe that’s quick to make when you’re in a hurry.
- This old fashioned sloppy joes recipe is wildly popular served as sandwiches.
- Baked feta chicken is a quick and easy pasta sauce you can have ready to pop in the oven in minutes.
- Chicken orzo casserole is a simple one pan meal that bakes full of fresh Tuscan flavor.
Pin It Now, Make It Later
Don’t lose track of this recipe! Save it on Pinterest so it’s ready when you need it. Follow me on Pinterest for even more meal ideas and inspiration for your home.
One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
This One Pot Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dinner made in just 20 minutes! Featuring tender chicken, Cajun seasoning, and creamy, spicy flavors, it’s a simple comfort food recipe perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts, diced in 1 inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 2 1/4 cups dried penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can original Rotel (with juice)
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Toss chicken pieces in Cajun seasoning.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat a skillet (preferably cast iron) with a little oil. Add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed until the edges turn white, then flip and cook through.
- Sauté the Veggies: Stir in the diced onion and red pepper, allowing their moisture to help deglaze the pan.
- Add the Pasta & Liquids: Stir in the dried pasta, chicken broth, and Rotel. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Finish with Creaminess: Stir in the milk or cream for a rich texture.
- Serve & Enjoy: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or mozzarella if desired.
Notes
I used 2 percent milk at the end and it was still thick and creamy. But, for extra creaminess, you can use heavy cream.
For a slightly different flavor, instead of cajun seasoning, use 1 tablespoon southwest seasoning pluse 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you like spicy food!).
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 277Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 1337mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 25g
DON’T MISS A THING!
Join my list for more ideas for you and your home…